This is how we do ours:
For 2 qts, I put 3 fam size bags in a small pan of water. Bring to a boil then shut off (don't boil the bags; they're fragile). Steep five minutes, pour into a pitcher, squeezing out all the good stuff. Add 1/2 cup sugar and stir till dissolved, then add cold water.
If I'm making a gallon and have time, I make sun tea. Put 6 fam size bags (with the strings tied together and the tags hanging out of the jar) into the glass gallon jar. Fill with water, put the lid on and sit out on the porch. Bring it in before supper, squeeze out the tea bags, add 1 C sugar and stir until dissolved.
I only use Luzianne or store brand, usually decaf so I can drink it at night if I want. To me, Lipton tastes like burnt wood. JMO
I know what you mean Terrielacy. When we went out to Denver at Christmas once, we about died. Nobody knew what tea was. They always wanted to bring us hot tea! Then unsweet, which does not work! I drink unsweet when we go out, but at home I like it sweet.